Davenport on crime, economy, City Council

Flint mayoral candidate David Davenport answers questions posed by The Flint Journal on crime, the economy and City Council. Each candidate was given a maximum of 50 words to respond.

What will you do to reduce crime if elected in November?1. Open all youth centers. Offer activities to keep youth occupied and provide transportation to centers. 2. Hire a police chief experienced in big city crime. 3. Drug stings on sellers and users. 4. Video surveillance cameras on major streets. 5. Strategically place officers in high-crime areas at night.

What will you do to bring more jobs to Flint and improve the local economy?I will try to find grant money to support businesses here that want to hire people and don't have the income. After crime is reduced, you clean up the city as a whole, beautify the city, solidify youth programs, then invite businesses to come in with offers of tax breaks.

The City Council and administration (under several mayors) have often been at odds. What is the appropriate relationship between the two? What will you do to develop that relationship?The mayor and Council must understand it's a give-and-take relationship. I would compromise with Council to their advantage the first time we disagree with the understanding it goes the opposite way the next time. We all want what's best for all citizens so each view should be respected.